A thigh lift is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the thigh area; it can also help to reshape and smooth the thigh area after losing weight. It can be combined with liposuction to remove or sculpt localized fat.   

Lack of exercise and obesity can lead to excessive fat accumulation in the thigh area. Excessive and rapid weight loss can also cause the skin to become loose. The skin in the thigh area can also become loose and sag as a result of the aging process.  

The goal of a thigh lift is to:  

• Remove the excess skin and fat from the thigh  

• Improve the contour of the thigh by reshaping it 

• Make the rest of the body appear more toned and proportioned. 

You may be a good candidate for a thigh lift, if you:

• Have unwanted skin/soft tissue along your thighs   

• Have a healthy and stable weight – further weight loss could cause the skin on your thighs to droop, affecting the results of your surgery   

• Have realistic expectations of the results   

• Are committed to maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine to upkeep your results  

• Are a non-smoker or willing to give up smoking   

Inner (Medial) Thigh Lift – This is the most common type of thigh lift surgery. An incision from your groin down near your knee or into the back of your thigh area is used to address drooping skin in your inner thighs. 

Mini Thigh Lift – This surgery necessitates fewer incisions than other types of thigh lifts, requiring only a groin incision. If you only want to work on the upper-inner region of your thigh, this method works nicely. 

Outer (Bi-lateral) Thigh Lift – The outer areas of your thighs are treated with an outer thigh lift. An incision begins in your groin area and continues outward to your hip and lower back. 

Vertical Thigh Lift – A vertical thigh lift may be appropriate if you have a lot of excess skin in all areas of your thighs. It necessitates longer incisions that go all the way down to your knees. 

Lift with Liposuction – The thigh area may have low skin elasticity in some circumstances. To help remove excess fat cells and prevent sagging skin, your surgeon may consider liposuction in addition to thigh lift surgery. 

Step One – Anesthesia

Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be given during this procedure to keep you comfortable.

Step Two – The Incision

The incision pattern is based on the areas to be treated, the complexity of your surgery, and the patient/surgeon preference.

Inner thigh lift incisions – Incisions in the groin, extending downward and wrapping around the back of the leg, are one technique for a thigh lift.

Another method involves making an incision down the inseam to remove unwanted skin from the groin to the knee.

Outer thigh lift incisions – An incision reaching from the groin to the hip and across the back may be required to improve the contours of the outer thigh.

Incisions are usually be placed in strategic spots that are hidden by most types of clothing/swimwear, thanks to advanced procedures. Incisions, on the other hand, may be extensive.

Step Three – Closing the incisions

Sutures will be placed deep within the underlying tissues to help form and support the newly shaped contours of your thigh. The incisions can be closed with sutures, skin adhesive tapes, or clips.

Step Four – See the Results

The results from your thigh lift can be seen almost immediately, although there will be significant swelling and bruising.

Depending on the complexity of your surgery, a thigh lift can take approximately 35 minutes (per thigh) to complete.   

Before you leave the hospital, your surgeon will apply dressings to the incisions to reduce swelling. They may also place a tube in the thigh area to help drain excess blood and fluids. 

For a few days after the treatment, you’ll most likely experience discomfort, bruising, and swelling. You should notice a difference in the contour of your thighs immediately, but it will take several months to get the final result. 

A thigh lift is considered permanent, but you will have to maintain a healthy weight in order to keep/maintain your results.   

Because no two patients are identical, the average cost of a thigh lift in Canada can vary depending on the complexity of your surgery. The cost of a thigh lift in Canada can range between $5,000-11,000.  

As with any surgical procedure, there is some risk of complications. Thigh lift risks, while rare, may include:  

• Bleeding   

• Infection   

• Loss of skin elasticity   

• Asymmetry   

• Fluid accumulation   

• Skin discolouration  

157/174 people who have undergone a thigh lift procedure have rated the procedure “Worth It” (90%)  

– Source: realself.com